Cave Run Storytelling Festival

08/19/2026

🎻 Meet the Teller: Josh Goforth!

Award-winning, Grammy-nominated musician and storyteller Josh Goforth brings the traditions of Appalachia vividly to life. A master of the fiddle, banjo, guitar, and song, Josh weaves music and engaging stories into unforgettable performances celebrating the heritage, history, and mountain culture of his Blue Ridge home.

Experience Josh live at the Cave Run Storytelling Festival!

📅 September 25 & 26, 2026
📍 Twin K***s Recreation Area
🎟️ Tickets and information: caverunstoryfest.org

***s

08/18/2026

07/21/2026

Today, we join the storytelling community in mourning the loss of Diane Ferlatte, who passed away after her courageous battle with cancer.

Diane was a gifted storyteller, educator, and cultural ambassador whose warmth, music, and stories touched audiences around the world. We were honored that she had planned to join us at the 2026 Cave Run Storytelling Festival. While her illness ultimately made it impossible for her to attend, her spirit and the legacy she leaves through her storytelling will continue to inspire generations.

Our hearts are with Diane’s family, friends, and the countless storytellers and listeners whose lives she enriched.

Please join us in remembering Diane Ferlatte and giving thanks for the extraordinary gift she shared with the world.

Rest in peace, Diane. Your stories will live on.

07/15/2026

🎤 April Armstrong

April is a storyteller and educator dedicated to sharing the history and traditions of Appalachia. Through engaging narrative and thoughtful interpretation, she brings regional stories to life for contemporary audiences. She has presented at libraries, schools, and community events, connecting people to place, culture, and lived experience.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
📍 Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY
🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org

Don’t miss storytelling without limits at the Cave Run Storytelling Festival!

06/30/2026

🎤 Kevin Kling

Kevin is an acclaimed storyteller, playwright, and National Public Radio commentator known for his humorous and deeply personal stories. Drawing from his Midwestern roots, he explores themes of family, community, and resilience with wit and warmth. He has performed on stages across the country, captivating audiences with stories that are both hilarious and heartfelt.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
📍 Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY
🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org

Don’t miss storytelling without limits at the Cave Run Storytelling Festival!

06/24/2026

🎤 Nestor Gomez

Nestor is an award-winning storyteller whose work explores identity, immigration, and belonging. Originally from Guatemala and now based in Chicago, he shares personal narratives that are both humorous and deeply moving. He has performed at festivals, theaters, and storytelling events nationwide, creating space for empathy and connection through story.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
📍 Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY
🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org

Don’t miss storytelling without limits at the Cave Run Storytelling Festival!

06/23/2026

This year’s CRSF poster, designed by Ivy Oddis, is inspired by the Appalachian tradition of quilting. The design brings together traditional quilt patterns and original festival-specific elements, creating a piece that honors regional heritage while celebrating the creativity of CRSF.

We’re excited to share it with you, and we hope you’ll join us for this year’s festival. Tickets are available now!

www.caverunstoryfest.org

05/04/2026

🎤 Antonio Rocha

Brazilian-born storyteller Antonio Rocha brings stories to life in a way you’ve never seen before. Using mime, movement, and voice, he transforms the stage into a fully immersive experience that captivates audiences of all ages.

An award-winning performer who has toured nationally and internationally, Antonio blends humor, folklore, and physical theater into unforgettable performances.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
📍 Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY

🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org

Don’t miss storytelling without limits at the Cave Run Storytelling Festival!

04/14/2026

🎤 Bil Lepp

Get ready to laugh with Bil Lepp, a master of Appalachian storytelling and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest.

Known for his outrageous tall tales and quick wit, Bil delivers stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. A favorite on the national storytelling circuit, he knows how to keep audiences hooked.

📅 September 25–26, 2026
📍 Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY

🎟 Tickets are on sale now: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org

If you like your stories with a big dose of humor, you won’t want to miss Bil at Cave Run!

04/02/2026

We want to address the graphics that were recently shared for the 26th Annual Cave Run Storytelling Festival.

Those images were created as temporary placeholders while our official designs are being completed by a local artist who is part of our festival community. In trying to move things forward quickly, we shared content that did not reflect the quality or values we aim to uphold, and we understand the frustration that caused.

We sincerely apologize for that misstep.

We are proud to support and showcase local artists, and we are excited to share the final designs soon. Thank you for your patience and for holding us accountable to the standards this festival deserves.